Skip to main content Skip to accessibility
This website is not compatible with your web browser. You should install a newer browser. If you live in Jersey and need help upgrading call the States of Jersey web team on 440099.
Government of Jerseygov.je

Information and public services for the Island of Jersey

L'înformâtion et les sèrvices publyis pouor I'Île dé Jèrri

Appointment of Director of Civil Aviation

A formal published “Ministerial Decision” is required as a record of the decision of a Minister (or an Assistant Minister where they have delegated authority) as they exercise their responsibilities and powers.

Ministers are elected by the States Assembly and have legal responsibilities and powers as “corporation sole” under the States of Jersey Law 2005 by virtue of their office and in their areas of responsibility, including entering into agreements, and under any legislation conferring on them powers.

An accurate record of “Ministerial Decisions” is vital to effective governance, including:

  • demonstrating that good governance, and clear lines of accountability and authority, are in place around decisions-making – including the reasons and basis on which a decision is made, and the action required to implement a decision

  • providing a record of decisions and actions that will be available for examination by States Members, and Panels and Committees of the States Assembly; the public, organisations, and the media; and as a historical record and point of reference for the conduct of public affairs

Ministers are individually accountable to the States Assembly, including for the actions of the departments and agencies which discharge their responsibilities.

The Freedom of Information Law (Jersey) Law 2011 is used as a guide when determining what information is be published. While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.

Decision Reference:   MD-C-2009-0058

Decision Summary Title :

L:\International\Chief Minister decisions\DCA appointment 2009.07.27.doc

Date of Decision Summary:

27 July 2009

Decision Summary Author:

International Relations

Decision Summary:

Public or Exempt?

Public

Type of Report:

Oral or Written?

Written

Person Giving

Oral Report:

 

Written Report

Title :

Appointment of Director of Civil Aviation

Date of Written Report:

27 July 2009

Written Report Author:

International Relations

Written Report :

Public or Exempt?

Public

Subject:  Appointment of Director of Civil Aviation

Decision(s): 

The Chief Minister decided, in pursuance of the Civil Aviation (Jersey) Law 2008, to appoint Mr Thomas Fergus Woods as part-time Director of Civil Aviation for two years with effect from 1 September 2009. 

Reason(s) for Decision:

The Civil Aviation (Jersey) Law 2008 came into force on 1 January 2009.  The Law establishes an office of Director of Civil Aviation. 

The Law provides that the Chief Minister may, after seeking and receiving the advice of the States Employment Board, appoint a person to hold the office.  On 24 July 2009, the States Employment Board indicated it supported the appointment of Mr Woods on a part-time contract.   

Resource Implications:

The appointment of a part-time Director of Civil Aviation, in conjunction with Guernsey, will lead to resource and manpower savings compared with a full-time appointment.

Action required:  International Relations to inform the States Greffe of the decision and to proceed with arrangements for appointment of Mr Woods as part-time DCA.

Signature:

Position:  Chief Minister 

Date Signed:

12th August 2009

Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):

Hide report
Appointment of Director of Civil Aviation

Appointment of Director of Civil Aviation

Background

The Civil Aviation (Jersey) Law 2008 establishes an office of Director of Civil Aviation (DCA) which is responsible to the Chief Minister for, amongst other matters, the following functions:

  • Ensuring the safety of the aerodrome and air traffic
  • Licensing the aerodrome
  • Approving air traffic controllers
  • Regulating the Channel Islands Control Zone
  • Regulation of meteorological services for the purpose of air navigation
  • Tendering advice to the Chief Minister on related matters, including international agreements relating to civil aviation
  • Ensuring best compliance with international civil aviation conventions applicable to Jersey.

Appointment

Since March 2009 Mr Woods has been contracted, from the Guernsey Board of Commerce and Employment, for 6 months as part-time Acting Director of Civil Aviation for Jersey.  He holds this post in parallel with the role of DCA for Guernsey. 

A review of the shared DCA appointment has concluded that the joint arrangement is most successful, providing clear benefits for both Jersey and Guernsey:

  • Improved co-ordination of civil aviation regulation across the Channel Islands;
  • Joint commissioning of services, equipment and facilities;
  • Development of co-ordinated policy on external / EU aviation issues;
  • Proposals for more streamlined legislation and regulatory frameworks
  • Cost and manpower savings.

It is considered a political priority that such joint working with Guernsey should be pursued where this is advantageous.  

Mr Woods satisfies the requirements for appointment as DCA, as set out in Article 3 of the Civil Aviation (Jersey) Law 2009,  i.e. he must  –

  1. have adequate relevant experience and expertise in the regulation of civil aviation; and
  2. be a fit and proper person to hold the office of Director. 

It is proposed that Mr Woods is the only suitable appointee and should be contracted from the Commerce and Employment Department for a further period as part-time DCA for Jersey (whilst continuing in the same capacity for Guernsey).  The proposal has been agreed in principle with the Guernsey authorities.

 

Our sites
Back to top
rating button